The 700mhz spectrum, whose use is actively coveted by Google, according to John Battelle, in a post called Google On Wireless Auctions and Spectrum Use: Worth Reading, and GigaOM - ie: 700 MHz Explained in 10 Steps covering what the 700 MHz Spectrum means to wireless communications.
The 700 MHz mobile network would be inexpensive to build compared to any other alternatives:
GigaOM says:
"…The spectrum, currently owned by broadcasters, has been used for analog television. But it is set to be turned over to the government in 2009. Due to its broadcast-attractive physics (like its ability to penetrate walls), this spectrum is desirable for both broadband communications in general and public-safety uses in particular.
Also, a 700 MHz mobile network would be relatively inexpensive to build compared to the alternatives:
"…According to some estimates, the cost of building a nationwide wireless network over the 700 MHz spectrum is around $2 billion versus a nationwide 1900MHz PCS that costs approximately $4 Billion. The costs are lower in rural areas, due to less interference issues and wide-open spaces. That’s because each tower broadcasting at 700MHz covers twice as many square miles. Some estimates say that a single 700 MHz tower can cover 20-miles. (#)
Google has taken a very strong position on 700mhz in The promise of open platforms in the upcoming spectrum auction:
"…We also noted that a proposal by Frontline Wireless to impose a wholesale/open access mandate on a certain spectrum block would ensure that the owner of that block at least would operate its wireless network in an open manner. "
"…Over the last several weeks, we’ve been taking a closer look at whether and how Google might participate meaningfully in the auction. As part of that look, we've consulted with spectrum auction experts and conducted various game theory scenarios. Our analysis has confirmed that, under the originally proposed rules, the existing national wireless carriers are likely to prevail in the bidding process against a potential new entrant like Google. While we remain interested in the possibility of participating in the auction, it’s clear that the incumbent carriers have built-in advantages that will prove difficult to overcome (particularly the economic and operational barriers to entry for a company like ours, and the relatively greater value and usefulness that spectrum brings to existing carriers)."
Ah ha…Google wants to bid on the 700 MHz Spectrum and create an "open network" with it. Here's a situation where I'd rather have Google own it than Sprint, ATT or TMobile. Most of the time I think Google is getting into too many things - but here I think we'd have a better, freer, 700MHz network if they ran it than a some other entity…but that's just me.
What do you think? Should Google be allowed to bid on the 700 MHz Spectrum when it becomes available? Would you want Google to own it?
